Bargaining

Hello precious leaders,

So this shall be a fairly short update : )


Yesterday I went to Chris and Lindy's church.  It was a great service and it was awesome to be surrounded by people from all over the world.  The first song during worship was a Swahili song called Hakuna mungu kama wewe.  Listen! Check out the song.  It's a weird video, but beautiful song.  It was surreal to be in Africa, listening to Swahili worship...I can't really describe the feeling.  All I could do was praise God for his blessings.  It is truly a gift and a testament to Him that I'm here.  I feel very humbled. 

After church we went to the market where the bargaining began.  I've heard about Kenyan markets and I acquired several tips before visiting one.


1. Whatever they offer, cut it in half.
2. Act insulted when they offer their first price
3. Be firm, and remember that these vendors do have money and aren't terribly poor.

Well I did my best...but still got ripped off...haha just kidding.  I actually thought I did fairly well.  I acquired several beautiful (or should I say "saawweeet") bracelets for myself and a couple "Tusker" t-shirts.  I took Gragi's advice and cut everything in half.  It did take a while though.  I had a nice conversation with a local Kenyan who was in fact an Oakland Raiders fan.  He offered me a bracelet for 1,000 schillings...I laughed and said you're joking and eventually bought it for about 400, but it took some work and me stating that I'm leaving for him to nudge.  I think he may have got the best of me, but alas, I learned the art of negotiating a tad bit and if I come back I'll be even more ready.  But the market is crazy.  Everyone calls you "brother" and they are ruthless in pursuing potential customers.  It was an experience and I enjoyed it : ) 

Today we visited the saint boys and the rest of the ann arbor team said their goodbyes.  I'm the sole one here now staying with Chris, Lindy and Allie (She's another missionary working with Amani Au Juu Amani- check it out!)   Again, I feel so blessed to be able to stay until Friday.  Tomorrow we will be visiting the Saint boys and painting their house.  I love those kids and am super stoked that I get to spend more time with them.  The rest of the week will be busy.  Hanging out with the Saint Boys, and doing chores around the house.  I'll be painting the nursery for Chris and Lindy's soon to be baby boy Ezra.  So pray that I make it B E A-UTIFUL (name that movie).

Again, short update..Africa is great.  I love it in Kenya.  Praying and processing through a lot with what I'm seeing and my future.  I feel as if I need to know what I should do with my life right now, but I feel God telling me to calm down, enjoy your last few days here and wait on my word.  Soooooo, I'll do my best.  Although I am excited to see what He has in store for me.

Prayer requests
- Chris and Lindy.  Lindy could be giving birth any day now.  It is their first baby and it will be a boy.  Pray for the baby's and Lindy's health (they are incredible people, doing incredible work for the kingdom)
-Pray for the rest of the team that left today.  Graig, Amanda, Jahred, Betsey.  Pray for safe travels.
-Pray for the saint boys.  Today we were helping them with math and it is clearly evident how behind they are.  But it is also clear how willing they are too learn and how much love they have for us and each other.  It really is incredible.  Keep praying for them and our interactions this week.
-Pray for my health.  I've been getting headaches a lot lately.  Nothing big, but I want to be fully present for the rest of the week.

Also had a chance to talk with me madre today.  Love you mom, you're a special person : )

Praise God.  I am super blessed to be here.  Thanks guys for reading.  Take care and God bless! (I'm watching Pirates of Caribbean currently, we're going to see the fourth one tomorrow night!)



p.s. I had to post a video.  This is James Chamol.  The cutest kid you'll ever meet.  Quick background.  We were playing a game.  You have to say your name, and something you like.  Once someone says something you like, "for instance- My name is Cameron, and I like futbol" everyone has to find a different chair to sit in.  The person left standing is in the middle and has to say those lines.  The object is to get a chair every time so you're not left standing.  Well the boys just wanted to talk, and James being the character he is always found a way to not sit down.  Every time he would say his line, he'd say apple.  Lol it was hilarious.  He's precious, a true saint of God.  I see God's love and sense of humor whenever I look at him.  All I want to do is hug him haha.

-cam